Tag Archives: Leatherman tool

Leatherman Multi Tools for Backpackers

Leatherman Tools makes several different multi tools that serve different purposes. Some of the tools are best for jobs around the house or on the job site while others work well for the outdoors. If you are a backpacker you may be interested in the multi tools that Leatherman makes that are geared toward outdoor enthusiast. It is definitely important to carry a multi tool on you when backpacking and here are some of the best choices you have to choose from.

Leatherman Charge TTI

This multi tool is really the top of the line when it comes to tools. It is one of the more expensive multi tools that Leatherman makes but it is definitely worth the price. It’s a very compact tool that features a wider and stronger blade and knife. This can come in handy for backpackers who may find themselves stranded and needing a knife out in the wilderness. It is also very lightweight which means it won’t weigh your back down while backpacking. If you want a top of the line quality multi tool, this tool is definitely the one for you.

Leatherman Squirt PS4

If you don’t want to spend that much money but you still want a quality Leatherman multi tool, then I recommend the Leatherman Squirt PS4. This is a miniature multi-tool that you can buy for under $25. This multi tool actually has a keychain attachment that can go right on your backpack or even on your set of keys. With this tool you get just about every tool you would need but it comes in a much smaller and convenient package.

If you want something more top of the line that is the utmost in quality then go with the Charge TTI but if you want something a little less expensive but still of good quality try the Squirt PS4. You really can’t go wrong with a Leatherman multi tool.

King of pocket knives

In a previous post we discussed some of the crazy stuff you can find on a pocket knife. I indicated that I was not super impressed with the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink knives out there. There is, however, one exception to the rule. I am very fond of my Leatherman tool.

I think my family purchased Leatherman tools back when they were just “Leatherkids.” I sort of feel we grew up with the company. I have owned several over the years and find them incredibly useful. The full-size versions are larger than your typical pocket knife and so may be more than you need for everyday use. In fact, they come with a belt holster as it really is too big to comfortably be called a pocket knife, although I have slipped it into my pocket at times. They do have smaller models too.

One of the nicest features of the tool is that it folds out to form a full-size pair of pliers. Having pliers right with you makes all kinds of tasks simpler. You need to grab this, turn that, cut this wire? Having this tool gets these light tasks done right now

The other tools within the Leatherman that I find most useful are the screwdrivers, both Phillips and regular, the knife blade, and the bottle opener. I don’t know how many times I have needed a quick screwdriver to do a simple task, and the Leatherman was right at my side.

In keeping with a theme of other comments about pocket knives, I am the first to admit that the Leatherman’s versions are often not as good as the tools it imitates. The pliers are often not as good as a “real” pair of pliers: the Leatherman pliers are needle nosed and often slip from something you are trying to work with, and you are not able to get as much force on the handle of the Leatherman. But when no other pliers are around the Leatherman is a God send. The screwdrivers are short and sometimes close on you when you are applying force on that stubborn screw. But again, a screwdriver in hand is better than one in the shop.

As the Leatherman tools have grown in popularity, they have fallen into the “Swiss Army knife” syndrome I think. They have come out with more models with more tools and different features, and I guess that is inevitable. But as with the Swiss Army knife trying to be all things all the time and not doing much well, I feel the “tricked out” Leatherman tools end up in the same boat. For me, I will stick to the basic, tried and true models, the tool that is multifunctional without being multi-dysfunctional—the basic Leatherman tool.

Also see what to look for in a hunting knife for other ideas.